Monitor Series 3100

The NAD 3100 Monitor Series, produced from 1988 to 1991, is a celebrated integrated stereo amplifier combining the robust NAD 2100 power amplifier with high-quality preamplifier circuitry derived from NAD’s top-tier preamps, such as the 1300 and 1700. Manufactured in Japan and priced at approximately 1,000 DM in 1989, it offers exceptional value for audiophiles. Its modular design with removable external jumpers allows integration of external processors or bi-amping setups, while its high-current output stage, impedance selector, and heavy-duty speaker terminals ensure compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers, including low-impedance loads.

        Power Output (Stereo): 60 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20Hz–20kHz, 0.03% THD)

• Dynamic Power (Power Envelope Circuit):

  • 200 watts into 8 ohms

  • 250 watts into 4 ohms

  • 330 watts into 2 ohms

• Bridged Mono Output: 100 watts into 8 ohms

• Distortion (THD, 20Hz–20kHz): 0.03%

• Damping Factor: 100 (for precise speaker control)

• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (or 4Hz to 100kHz in some sources)

• Phono Stage:

  • Supports Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges

  • Input Sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 0.18mV (MC)

  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 75dB (MM and MC)

• Line-Level Inputs (CD, Tuner, Video, Tape):

  • Input Sensitivity: 200mV

  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 94dB

• Features:

  • Switchable infrasonic filter

  • Bass EQ

  • Soft clipping circuit (reduces distortion at high volumes)

  • Baxandall bass and treble tone controls

• Connectivity:

  • Inputs: Phono, Tuner, CD, Video, 2x Tape loops

  • Outputs: Pre-out/Main-in sockets, binding posts for two pairs of loudspeakers

  • Headphone jack

  • Switches: Speaker impedance (4Ω/8Ω), bridging, tape monitoring

  • AC outlets (on some models)

• Physical Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 435 x 106 x 385 mm (W x H x D)

  • Weight: 10.5 kg

  • Power Supply: AC 100/120/220/240V

Additional Notes:

The NAD 3100’s high-current output and audiophile-grade components make it ideal for driving challenging speaker loads with musicality and precision. Its modular design and versatile features, like the low-noise phono stage and flexible connectivity, ensure it remains a standout choice for audiophiles, often outperforming modern amplifiers in comparisons.